The Texas governor’s office announced October 29 that the Health and Human Services Commission plans to award $87,248,124.49 to 129 rural health care providers through Rural Texas Strong. The announcement describes intended awards, with funding available after contracts are finalized.
The money is part of the state’s first-year award of approximately $281.3 million from the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Rural Health Transformation Program. Texas estimates total federal investment of $1.4 billion over five years.
The announced funding supports initiatives focused on chronic disease and health outcomes, recruiting and retaining rural health workers, and replacing equipment or improving existing facilities. The workforce initiative includes physicians, emergency medical personnel and other health care staff.
The chronic-condition work includes diabetes, cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory disease and obesity. Infrastructure funding is aimed at existing facilities and aging medical equipment, according to the state’s announcement.
The state says Rural Texas Strong is entirely federally funded and contains six initiatives. Federal funding depends on applicable program requirements, and HHSC plans to announce additional intended awards as applications are reviewed.
The governor’s release links a recipient list and HHSC program information. Residents following a local provider can use those resources to check the announced awards, while the provider can explain the services and improvements planned under its final project arrangements.
